There is an opinion among the people that the government might use the Buddhist monk’s self-immolation to minimize cattle slaughter in the country and import beef from Australia instead, in an attempt to enjoy the commission it generates, the UNP said.

UNP Member of Western Provincial Council, Kithsiri Manchanayake stated that they could not believe that there was nobody to prevent Ven. Bowatte Indrarathana Thera setting fire to himself, despite the presence of several security forces personnel and media persons who had recorded footage of the incident.

He stated that the people of the country have a fear and a certain opinion as to why he was not rescued.

“In the future sometimes, based on this act the government will minimize cattle slaughter in the country and instead import beef from Australia to collect the commission,” he said.

Such an opinion exists among the people because the majority of the government’s ministers are corrupt, Manchanayake said at a press briefing in Colombo.

“That is this government’s policy. They will used this sacrifice by the Buddhist monk for their corruption and cheating,” he charged.